Silvertown Tunnel (1)

Andrew Boff: You've declared a climate emergency and committed to an ambitious target of making London carbon neutral by 2030. TfL's own figures, in their energy and carbon statement show that building the Silvertown Tunnel will increase net carbon emissions, over doing nothing. How does spending a billion pounds on a project that will increase greenhouse gas emissions contribute to 'tackling the climate emergency'?

The Mayor: The Silvertown Tunnel will not undermine overall carbon reduction plans set out in my Transport and Environment Strategies, from either direct emissions or through embodied carbon from its construction. The carbon reduction trajectory in each of these strategies was developed using detailed modelling of emissions from transport, buildings and other sectors, and takes into account the Silvertown Tunnel. The trajectory has been independently assessed by C40 to be in line with the advice of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on the level of carbon emission reduction required to put us on track to staying within 1.5oC global warming.
My Transport and Environment Strategies set out a range of ambitious plans and targets to help London achieve our zero carbon goals rapidly, as well as cleaning up our air. As part of that, we need to provide more public and active transport. The Silvertown Tunnel will introduce a charge for those wanting to drive across the river, while at the same time, providing a real alternative by introducing a significant increase in the number of buses connecting areas such as Eltham and Charlton with Canary Wharf, Stratford and the Royal Docks.
I assessed this scheme when I took office in 2016 and made changes to ensure a greater focus was placed on public transport and walking and cycling. This includes a minimum number of buses per hour at peak times, all of which are expected to be zero emission from launch, together with concessions for local residents, walking and cycling improvements around the tunnel, and enhanced river crossing facilities for cyclists.
It is also important to note that much of the impact modelling was carried out prior to the start of the Development Consent Order application in April 2016 and, as such, does not fully reflect a number of policies which we have introduced in recent years, such as the introduction of greener buses across London, the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone from October 2021 or recent EU legislation about reducing carbon emissions from all new vehicles from 2021.
Recognising this changing context, Transport for London (TfL) has committed to further assessment work supported by extensive monitoring, particularly around air quality, both before and after the opening of the Silvertown Tunnel. If readings suggest worse impacts than originally anticipated, TfL is committed to review and put in place further mitigations. Regular reports on this work will be published online, with stakeholders consulted through the Silvertown Tunnel Implementation Group.

Engineer Noise Readings in Islington

Jennette Arnold: In response to Question 2019/20787 you provided TfL data on noise readings taken from residential properties in Islington. This shows that noise readings from both north and southbound have risen by at least 10 decibels since 2017. What has changed since 2017 to cause this rise?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) focuses on average noise levels calculated from measurements taken in a number of local properties, which provide the most comprehensive understanding of the noise disturbance experienced by residents.
The difference in average noise readings shown in Mayor's Question 2019/20787 is largely explained by measurements being carried out at different properties in 2017 and 2019. In properties where multiple noise readings have been taken (since 2010), the average noise level has decreased by 0.5dB on the northbound track and increased by 1.2dB on the southbound track.
TfL has temporarily suspended its rail grinding programme on the Tube network, in order to focus on safety critical tasks following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). TfL still expect to start rail grinding on the Victoria line soon after its overall rail grinding programme resumes, including in this area,which should reduce residential noise levels. In the longer-term, TfL is continuing to investigate the feasibility of the use of a new track-fastening product for use in this and other areas. If a trial of this product proves successful, it could then be rolled out to other areas, including between Highbury & Islington and King’s Cross St. Pancras.

Transport for London in the event of worsening coronavirus

Onkar Sahota: At what point in the increasing severity of the coronavirus outbreak would TfL restrict services into and around London, and what assessment have you made of the impact of this on NHS staff getting to work?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) will continue to run as much of a service as it reliably can with the workforce available can so that NHS and care staff and other essential workers can get to and from work safely. Although the frequency of services has reduced, TfL has done this in a way that makes sure key workers can still make essential journeys. People should only travel if they are a key worker or it is an essential journey. If not, you should follow Government advice and stay at home.
The majority of Londoners are playing their part and avoiding travel, this needs to continue to ensure we protect the NHS and save lives.

Crossrail

Caroline Pidgeon: Are you confident that Crossrail will open in Summer 2021?

The Mayor: I am pleased with the significant progress that has been made since the new leadership team was put in place at Crossrail Ltd.
As you will be aware, the Prime Minister announced unprecedented measures in the Government’s bid to halt the spread of coronavirus in March. Currently physical work is at a temporary stop with a team of around 250 people involved in maintaining the safety of the central section sites.
Upwards of 2000 people from across Crossrail Ltd and their supply chain are now working from home - many of those working from home are progressing the vital assurance and safety certification documentation that must be completed before the Elizabeth line can open. Essential and business critical work continues across the Crossrail programme but their priority -rightly- is to keep their people safe and limit movement.
It is too early to tell exactly how the impact of coronavirus will be felt on the project. Crossrail Ltd is developing a detailed remobilisation plan with its contractors to enable physical works at stations to get back up and running as soon as the current rules start to be eased.
Much of the central section is now substantially complete. Fit-out is nearing completion at many stations, except for Bond Street and Whitechapel, with all physical works complete in the tunnels, shaft and portals. Dynamic Testing of the signalling and train systems is advanced.

Roadside Greening

Tony Devenish: As a publicly funded body in a London-wide democratic system, TfL are supposed to be accountable to the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. Why then are they able to ignore the Mayor’s own policy on “Roadside Greening” (“Using green infrastructure to protect people from air pollution” (April 2019)) for heavily polluted roads like the A3220 Earl’s Court Road and Warwick Road, as well as the numerous representations made in this regard by local Councillors and residents?

The Mayor: I am extremely supportive of any measures which can be used to effectively reduce our exposure to air pollution. I have already introduced the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone, which is due to be extended out to the North and South Circular roads in 2021.
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out several investigations into potential new trees on Warwick Road and Earls Court Road. Unfortunately, no suitable locations were found owing to shallow basements in the area and a large amount of utilities under the footway. However, TfL did complete a scheme on West Cromwell Road in January 2020, with the planting areas expected to mature by early summer.
TfL is working with the University of Birmingham on the development of a new tool for assessing the potential of a green barrier (e.g. trees, hedges, ivy screens) to reduce local exposure to road transport pollution. It is a complex issue, and this tool will help TfL and the boroughs explore greening options on a site-by-site basis to gauge whether they are likely to have a significant air quality benefit. TfL has already had discussions with London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham about this tool and will continue to explore further options for green infrastructure which might be used to help reduce exposure in this area.